Cloncurry to receive over $1.4 million for new community infrastructure

A Men’s Healing Shed and new Grandstand Project in Cloncurry will become a reality thanks to over $1.4 million in funding from the Palaszczuk Government and the resources sector.

The Cloncurry Justice Association Inc. will receive over $619,000 to deliver a new Men’s Healing Shed, and $834,000 will go to the Cloncurry Shire Council for the Cloncurry Shire Grandstand Project.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said

the projects have been funded through Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).

“The new Men’s Healing Shed will be the first support set-up in Cloncurry to assist socially disadvantaged men and youth to address the impacts of domestic family violence and mental health, as well as support Indigenous low-level parolees,” Mr Miles said.

“This project will enable the Cloncurry Justice Association to address social issues and concerns of the local community in a safe, dignified and supportive manner to assist with social change.

“The new facility will include a training room, work area and tools to complete constructive activities, and storage for materials.

“The Cloncurry Grandstand Project led by Cloncurry Shire Council will increase and enhance the current spectator and participant amenities at major sporting and recreation venues in Cloncurry.

“The project will install a range of mobile and fixed grandstand seating, shade structures, and player and official facilities to allow for bigger and better events to be enjoyed by the community.”

Manager for the Cloncurry Justice Associations Julie Arthur said the new Men’s Healing Shed had the potential to have long-lasting social impacts on the community.

“We aim to provide a safe, friendly and healing environment where men of all ages are able to work on meaningful projects, socialise and learn to break harmful intergenerational cycles of behaviour,” Mrs Arthur said.

“This new facility will allow the men of Cloncurry and surrounds to advance their well-being and mental health with other community members and encourage social inclusion.

“We are grateful for the support of the Queensland Government for funding this worthwhile project.”

Mr Miles said Round 1 will provide just over $47 million for 20 projects within 15 resources communities across the state generating an estimated 186 jobs during construction.

“The resource sector is vital to our economy and employs around 84,000 workers, directly supporting more than 15,000 Queensland businesses,” Mr Miles said.

“Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, our resources sector has been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic, helping support our economy.

“These projects meet the unique needs of each community whether it’s new infrastructure to increase tourism, connect the community or improve training opportunities in the region.”

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed today’s announcement of the first 20 projects to be delivered as part of RCIF Round 1.

“As the peak state body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers, the QRC is proud our industry has been able to contribute $70 million to the RCIF and work with the state government to support resources communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“We are always looking to ensure jobs for Queenslanders in the regions, and many of these projects do just that and more for our communities.”

The $100 million fund was established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies through the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland resources companies contributing the remaining $70 million. This funding will be distributed across two rounds.